Masiu sits in for Pruaitch as leader

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
DEPUTY Opposition Leader and South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu has taken over as Opposition Leader, says National Alliance Party president Steven Pokawin.
He said Masiu, who is also a National Alliance (NA) MP, was in the job because incumbent Patrick Pruaitch was facing the Leadership Tribunal today. “During that period of the suspension of Pruaitch, South Bougainville MP Masiu will carry out the duties of the Opposition Leader,” Pokawin said.
“He is ready. According to the party’s constitution the secretary-general and Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt will manage the affairs of the parliamentary wing of NA.
“So the management of the Opposition and the party will continue normally during the period of suspension.
“NA is an institution, not a one-person business and has in place ways to continue its operation.”
Pokawin said charges brought by the Ombudsman Commission were made in 2009.
“The charges relate to late returns of his annual 2002, 2003 and 2004 statements, (alleged) double-dipping and misuse of DSG (district support grant) funds. The leader has already provided all the evidence needed to inform the tribunal of his responses to the charges. His lawyers and he are ready and happy with his defence,” Pokawin said.
He said that the reconvening of the tribunal was good. “It is the only body that has the power to remove the cloud that hangs over our leader once and for all,” he said.
“Otherwise, the charges would remain and our enemies would continue to use it against him and his leadership of the party.
“It is also good that it is happening at the time when we are in the Opposition. The charges must be cleared to prepare him and the party to lead the alternative government into the future. And our parliamentary wing and our national executives are solidly supportive of our parliamentary leader.”